Do you notice white chalky buildup on your faucets? Well, it is most likely not toothpaste and it is more common than you might think. That calcium buildup can be attributed to the tap water. Hard water, or water with high levels of dissolved minerals, carry calcium and leave those marks on your faucet. This calcium buildup is not only unattractive. It can be hard on your faucets, pipes, and appliances, potentially causing cracks and clogs. The local plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing can help provide you with a long-lasting fix to this problem. In the meantime, let’s dive into some tips for you to remove and prevent calcium buildups.
What Is “Hard Water”
Scientifically, water hardness refers to the level of dissolved calcium and magnesium in water. You may notice hard water when you pour yourself a glass of water and the water is less than crystal clear. Instead, you will notice cloudiness. Hard water can be costly as it requires larger normal amounts of soap to get things clean and you may notice the effects of hard water on glasses, silverware, and even the faucet in the form of chalky white buildup that is less than appealing. Luckily, hard water and that chalky white buildup is not hazardous to your health. In fact, calcium and magnesium are important parts of our diet.
How to Remove Calcium Buildup?
There are many products on the market created to deal with calcium buildup caused by hard water, but these products often have extra chemicals that can be harmful to your health. If you prefer to use chemical cleaners, then be sure to wear gloves and consider wearing a mask if you have asthma. Alternatives to chemical cleaners are acidic liquids like those found in lemon juice, white vinegar, and sulfuric acid.
Let’s say you choose to handle the issue with vinegar. Add some vinegar to a sandwich sized plastic bag and put the faucet head into the bag making sure the faucet head is covered in the vinegar, then secure the bag using rubber bands. For the neck of the faucet and other areas where the plastic bag cannot cover, soak a rag or towel in vinegar and let it sit on those areas. Let the vinegar sit for an hour or two before removing it and scrub off the buildup. Use a clean rag to wipe down the treated areas and voila!
Preventing Calcium Buildup
Though hard water is not a health hazard, the calcium buildup is unsightly and can be hard on plumbing systems and appliances. Regular cleaning helps temporarily but the best way to prevent calcium buildup is by installing a water softener. Water softeners work by filtering hard water through salts and ion-exchanged resins to address the calcium in the water. Granted the water softener does require regular maintenance, it can save you from constantly cleaning faucets, double-cleaning dishes, and protect your pipes from damage.
If you are interested in a water softener installation, then call the experienced plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing to speak with a friendly representative and get started. We are available to take your call 24/7 and look forward to hearing from you!